By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
Members of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Kaduna State Branch have expressed worry over low blood donation in Nigeria .
According the scientists , importance of regular blood donation to health of people cannot be overemphasized, thus the resolve of the Association to carry campaigns to the streets and hospitals for increased blood donation .
Briefing journalists at the District Heads Office at Kakuri , the Chairman, AMLSN, Comrade Taofeeq Babsalam explained,” Every June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) and the event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.”
The Chairman who commended all members of the Association in Kaduna State, however urged regular donors and others to keep the world by regularly donating blood “as it is therapeutic for both the donors and the recipients.
“Today, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Kaduna State Branch is sincerely thanking all voluntary donors for their selfless act of saving lives thereby keeping the world beating.” He added.
Speaking further on importance of blood donation to health, Babsalam said, “Some of the associated benefits of blood donation include: anti cancer benefits as it reduces iron deposition, prevents haemochromatosis, healthy liver, stimulates blood cell production, a free blood screening for infectious diseases, happier life as a result of saving lives, etc.
“Today we are at St Gerald’s Hospital Kakuri Kaduna for our blood drive to support the emergency services of the hospital for the good people of Kaduna State and the country at large, the choice of St Gerald Hospital is because of its strategic location and accessibility to victims of road traffic accident and disaster.
“Specific objectives of this year’s campaign are to:thank blood donors in the world and create wider public awareness of the need for regular blood donation, highlight the need for committed, year-round blood donation; maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion.
“Recognize and promote the values of voluntary blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion, raise awareness of the need for increased investment from governments to build a sustainable and reslient national blood system and increase collection from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.”
Meanwhile, he said the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on blood donation and availability with the curve flattening.
He therefore, called on relevant government agencies to synergise with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria to ensure availability of safe blood for citizens.
